Review of the Flowers International Youth Hostel in Guilin, China

Guilin, China, according to the old parable, is everything under heaven. The provincial Guangxi town, surrounded by limestone mountains, has been a Chinese tourist destination for almost 800 years. The Guilin Flowers International Youth Hostel, near Guilin's south Rail Station, offers travelers, both young and old an inexpensive place to rest their weary bones in-between day trips.

The tree-lined streets, the Li River, and the mountains, make Guilin a wonderful destination. Every year, thousands of Chinese and international holiday-makers descend on the town of 1.25 million to relax and soak in some of Guilin charms.

For the budget traveler there are many hostels and smaller hotels. Picking one can be like taking a shot in the dark. You don't want to arrive at your accommodations, tired and disheveled, to find it less than perfect. Internet research only goes so far.

The Flowers Hostel is located down a quiet alley directly across from Guilin's south train station. It is also a short walk from the town's main bus station. Looking at the exterior you would never guess what was inside. On the second floor, the lobby and common room offer guests a bright and colorful area with sofas, a pool table, and a DVD room, to rest in. The hostel also offers internet access, laundry services, a bar, and an English book exchange.

The hostel features a western menu including breakfasts, snacks and sandwiches, at a reasonable price. Visitors to China will quickly learn that western food often comes at an exorbitant price. The menu gives you a chance to full up on favorites without emptying your pocketbook.

Within walking distance of most of Guilin's parks and monuments, the hostel is ideally located. It's a short walk to Elephant Hill Park, the Zhenyang pedestrian shopping street, or the Prince's City.

The friendly staff will also help in booking tours and day trips. Want to see the terraced rice field of Li Sheng, or take a cruise on the Li River? The desk staff can assist. Guilin is a great jumping off point to Yangshuo, a backpackers Mecca about 60 kilometers away. The hostel staff can help make travel arrangements to this picturesque town.

The Guilin Flowers International Youth Hostel offers single, double, and dormitory-style rooms, all priced for the budget traveler. A single room, with shared bath, costs about $7 US per night. While some travelers are adverse to the hostel experience, the Guilin Flowers Hostel offers more than just a room. The other travelers staying at the hostel make for fast friends, a chance for camaraderie and place to trade war stories.

The Guilin Flower International Youth Hostel is located at 6 Shangzhi Lane, Block 2, South Zhongshan Road, Guilin and can be reached at +86 773 3839625, or booked at hostelworld.com